Master of Arts in Communication Studies (MACS)

In January 2015, USIU will launch the Master of Arts in Communication Studies (MACS) after a rigorous curriculum development process and the hiring of additional highly qualified faculty. Approved internationally by WASC, this program will play an important role in the professionalization of communications practice in Kenya and the region. Currently, there are many communication programs but this flagship program, unlike most, focuses on addressing the changing communication landscape marked by convergent technologies. It also focuses on honing strategic communication management skills by offering specializations in digital, media, development and corporate communications. With a strong emphasis on digital and management skills, this program will provide opportunities for students graduating from undergraduate programs, including USIU’s Journalism program, as well as practitioners in the field looking to update their skills and further their knowledge in the field of communication.

Importantly, the M.A. in Communications Studies brings together conceptual, research, and practical approaches through use of technology so as to prepare graduates to handle communication challenges in the current technological environment - including digital and mobile platforms. We employ pedagogical methods that put students at the center of learning. Some of these methods include case studies, direct instruction, class leadership, guided discovery, community learning, convergent inquiry, divergent inquiry, and constructivism. The program is anchored on four major areas of concentrations in the communication field: Communication for Development; Digital Communication, Media Studies, and Strategic Corporate Communications.

Concentrations

This concentration equips students with skills related to the following: theoretical foundation in communication for development; the strategic use of media in development programs; how to conduct communication advocacy programs; use of communication in policy change; application of strategic communication during emergency situations (e.g. environmental health, food security, national security, financial security and other real world emergencies); the role of public health communication in healthcare programs; and how to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of organization programs. Thus, students who pursue the Communication for Development specialization end-up taking careers as communication, monitoring, and evaluation officers or consultants in Non-Governmental Organizations or Non-Profit Organizations.

Students specializing in Digital Communication gain skills related to the following: theoretical foundation in new media and technology; designing and implementing multimedia (or digital media strategies) projects; the use of technology at the intersection of media and society; effective digital communication strategies; practical applications of digital communications; identifying branding within a digital context; developing online brand identity for organizations; analyzing critical communications related to organizational websites; use of social media tools (e.g. blogging, Twitter, social networking, podcasting, online video); and developing social media plans for organizations. This area of specialization prepares students to use communications technologies in a variety of careers and setting – including film and video editing, website designing, digital journalism, graphic design, marketing, and non-profit communication.

The Media Studies concentration provides students with such skills as critical examination of the power and influence of media in society; writing for multimedia environmental; synthesizing and integrating multimedia skills; principles of Internet writing; political communication at the intersection of media and politics; media representation of different groups (e.g. minorities); media management; use of media in social movements; quantitative and qualitative research skills in media; and the structure and functions of mass communication systems in political economy. Students pursuing this concentration get jobs as media planners, multimedia specialists, program researchers, market researchers; and communication researchers.

Duration

Our program takes two years to complete and all students must graduate with a cumulative GPA of above 3.0. The program requires 48 credits hours, which are structured as follows: 27 credit hours for core course; 15 credit hours for areas of concentrations, and 6 credit hours for elective courses. For successful completion of this program, students are required to undertake a project, which entails engaging in service learning and writing a report under the supervision of a faculty member in the program.

Admission Requirements

The program requires the following of all applicants for admission:

Applicants must have a first degree in Communication, or Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising or related subject with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent.

Applicants who have at least 3 years field experience in a Communications or related role will be considered.

In addition to the degree requirements for admission, the following are University wide graduate admission requirements:-

Proof of graduation from secondary/high school or signed attestation on the USIU application form or its equivalent (including month and year);

Official transcripts of all college work undertaken (degrees and dates awarded must be posted);

Submission of a two-page essay addressing the following two topics:

What experiences led you to select your professional objectives?

What other two factors would you like to be considered in evaluating your application?

Two letters of recommendation.

Credit Transfer

The program allows graduate credit transfer from other recognized institutions of higher education. A maximum of 36 units earned may be accepted for credit transfer as long as the grade earned is B or higher. The final 18 semester units toward the degree must be completed at USIU. Graduate academic work acceptable for transfer credits must be appropriate to the degree program to be pursued at USIU and approved by the School Dean or a designee.

Curriculum

The School of Science and Technology has launched a new graduate degree program in Communication Studies to address the challenges facing organizations in the new millennium, as well as hone the skills of managers in corporate and development communication.

The minimum requirements to complete the program are 48, divided into 3 sections: Core Courses, Concentrations and Electives.

The survey courses which successful applicants without a Communication background (academic or field) may be required to attend. Decisions will be taken on a case-by-case basis upon submission of evidence.

*** Project / Thesis: Graduate students are required to be continuously enrolled during every semester while their thesis / Project remains incomplete. In the first semester, the project/thesis is charged as a full three (3) unit graduate course, while the two (2) subsequent terms are charged at 50% of the tuition. Other charges remain the same.

If the project / thesis extend beyond the third term, then tuition reverts to full charge.

*** Fee balances: Interest of 1.5% will be charged on fees outstanding balance at any one time.

Contacts

For inquiries, please reach us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: or telephone numbers: 0730-116-729